Free Rift in the Sky by Julie E. Czerneda Page B

told him of the Vyna and the Glorious Dead, he, Enris di Sarc, had refused to make a similar leap.
    Failing a challenge as real and as important as any he’d faced.
    And the Human pitied him.
    He pushed the crate on the table closer to Marcus. “Best these stay here. For now.” And stood.
    Marcus rose too. “Enris—”
    â€œDon’t—” he began and stopped, ashamed, unsure why.
    â€œI must. Listen to me. I should be more careful what I say. What I ask. I know better. Did Aryl tell you, she ran from me? Almost died because of my foolish words? Because I forget you are not Human.”
    Enris clapped Marcus on one shoulder, in Human-fashion. “A mistake we’d never make, my friend.”
    I’m done. Finished your snack?
    â€œAryl,” Marcus announced. At Enris’ startled look, “Your face says so.”
    Perceptive in the oddest ways. “Aryl,” he confirmed, then took both of the Human’s shoulders in a gentle grip. “Listen to me, Marcus. Don’t be more careful. Tell us what we should know.” He shook his head ruefully. “But maybe not so much at once.”
    â€œI understand.” But as Enris turned to leave, Marcus held his wrist, palm against bare skin. An invitation. Lowering his shields just enough, the Om’ray sensed goodwill and determination. “Something you must do. Before I leave Cersi. Wait. Wait.” Muttering to himself, the Human rushed away to dig through the disorganized mass of objects on a counter. It was a wonder, Enris thought with amusement, any of the devices continued to work.
    â€œWait! Must take these. Should have done before.” More muttering.
    Enris?
    Our Human’s being his confusing self.
    He’s not the only one. But she didn’t feel concerned.
    Marcus emerged triumphant, clutching what looked like a pair of pink eggs attached by a metal thread. “Here!” He pressed the eggs over his eyes, the thread behind his head, then pulled the device off and thrust it at Enris. “ Sleepteach . You learn Comspeak . Both? Maybe no,” he appeared to be arguing with himself. “Not Aryl. Wait for baby. You. You can learn now.” When Enris didn’t take them, unsure, the Human shook the little eggs, making them click together. “Everyone in the Trade Pact uses same words. Use this, you will understand anyone. Everyone.” A fleeting frown. “If it works for Om’ray. Should. Won’t harm.”
    Enris? A tinge of worry. She was picking up his doubt. What’s going on?
    It’s complicated.
    Say no. To whatever it is.
    He couldn’t do that. Not if he grasped what Marcus offered. “Will I still understand real words—Om’ray words?”
    â€œYes yes yes. Sleepteach adds information to the memory, not take any away. You won’t notice any change. But if you hear Comspeak words,” Marcus nodded vigorously, “you will hear what they mean. You will be able to answer, using those words. With my innerworldaccent ,” he added confusingly. “Sorry. Don’t know how to reprogram . You’ll sound like someone from Stonerim III. That’s not a bad thing. Proper vowels. ”
    Enris found he had taken the device. It was warm from Marcus’ hands. There were no controls or markings. He made to put it on his head.
    â€œNot yet. Lie down, ready for sleep. Put over eyes, then say these words: activate . . . standard . . . teach . . . mode. You say them.”
    â€œ ‘Activate standard teach mode.’ ” The little eggs went from pink to white.
    â€œTo stop, take it off, or say end . . . session .”
    â€œ ‘End session.’ ” Pink again. Enris wanted to try the words again, to see the colors change, but didn’t. The Human was used to such effects. He didn’t want to seem like a child caught up by novelty.
    He could do it later anyway.
    â€œThank you, Marcus.”
    Enris?